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COURT -MART 



OF 


MAJOR N. WARD CADY 



2D MOUNTED RIFLES, N. Y. VOLS., 


INCLUDING THE 


OFFENCE, DEFENCE, SENTENCE, 


0 


CORRESPONDENCE, 





etc., etc., &C. 


.<$ 






/ 

COURT - MARTIAL 


OF 



MAJOR N. WARD CADY 

'/ 


2D MOUNTED RIFLES, N. Y. YOLS., 


INCLUDING THE 


OFFENCE, DEFENCE, SENTENCE, 


CORRESPONDENCE, 


> 

«c 



&C,, &C. 5 &C, 











V 















INTRODUCTION. 


Iii nearly every loyal State and city of the Union, I have acquaintances 
and friends who are astonished at the public announcement of my dismissal 
from the military service of the United States; particularly as they know 
that before the war commenced, I was a peaceable, law-abiding citizen — 
deeply interested in the great educational aud moral enterprises of the 
age — giving countenance and support to the temperance movement and 
other reformatory measures of the day; visiting by the hundred, and 
encouraging common schools and Sunday schools, and higher institutions 
of learning aud Christianity; believing and proclaiming that our Repub- 
lican Government and free institutions can safely rest only on the firm 
foundations of the intelligence and morality of the people. 

They know also that I have been a zealous laborer iu the Union cause, 
since the first gun w r as fired in this rebellion, giving liberally, speaking 
earnestly, voting squarely and shooting rapidly, for Freedom and the Union. 
Thus practically supporting the Government, to the extent of my ability, 
wdth mone} 7 , language, ballot and bullet. 

I contend that those acquaintances and friends have a right to expect, 
and myself the duty to explain the wkys and wherefores of such dismissal, 
especially as such explanation by publication, not in newspapers, but in 
pamphlet form (for said interested parties,) will not necessarily, and scarcely 
can, by possibility, compromise the honor or endanger the interests of the 
nation. 

I have been frequently and earnestly solicited (by various persons from 
different parts of the country,) to publish an account of my movements 
and observations on the other side of the lines, and certain correspondence 
on both sides, but have uniformly declined to do so, especially during the 
continuance of the war, fearing and almost knowing, that it might, in 
gome way be detrimental to the service. But I apprehend no danger, and 
fear no such result from the publication of the proceedings in this case, 


4 


else I would remain profoundly silent on the subject to the end of timd, 
regardless of personal injury, by disgrace, resulting from a supposed dis- 
honorable dismissal, unexplained . 

I present the case to you, as I did to the Court Martial, plainly and 
frankly. In my defense I purposely avoided all legal tact, skill and strat- 
egy, and in this explanation of the case I shall make no attempt to 
strengthen weak points, polish rough spots, or even correct errors. I 
have asked no counsel, and heeded no suggestions. And now I ask no 
sympathy, and beg no assistance from my friends nor the public, but 
merely present you this plain, unvarnished statement of the peculiar case, 
and go forth again to battle for Justice, Freedom, and the Union . 

N. Ward Cady, 

Ex. Major 2d N. Y. Mounted Rifles, 
Yates, Orleans Co. N. Y., Nov. 1864. 


APPLICATION FOR LEAVE OF ABSENCE 


Head Quarters, 2d M. R,, N. Y, Vols., > 

H ear Weldon R. R., Va.. Sept. 11th, 1864. $ 

To AssT Adtt Gen’l 9tii A. C. 

Sir : — I have the honor to request a leave of absence for 
ten days to go to Washington. D. C., to attend to the following 
business : 

1st. To examine papers at the Adj’t Gen’ls office, for the pur- 
pose of completing the Muster and Pay Polls of Co. “ II,” of this 
Regiment ; which company has no officer here, nor books, or 
papers, as data, from which to make out said rolls. The enlisted 
men of that company have received only the thirteen dollars ad- 
vance pay from the government — though they have been in thq 
United States service about ten months, and some of their families 
are actually suffering for want of the money due them. 

2d. To urge upon the Dejiartment the claims of our Regiment 
to be mounted, after more than four months severe duty in the 
field on foot. 

I am, Sir, very Respectfully, 

Your Ob’t Serv't, N. Ward Cady, 

Major 2d. 24 Y. M. R. 

The above application received the following endorsements : 

Head Quarters 2d N. Y. M. R., I 
Hear Weldon R. R., Va., Sept. 11th, 1864, ^ 

Approved, and respectfully forwarded. 

Wm. IT. Mapes, 

Major Corn’g Reg’t. 


G 


Head Q.uarrtfrs 2d Brig. 2d Piv. 9th A. C. ? 
Hear Weldon R. R., Va., Sept. 12th, 18C4. $ 


Respectfully forwarded. 


S. G. Griffih, 


Brig. Gen’l Com'g. 


Head Quarters, 2d Div. 9th A. C. ? 
Hear Weldon R. R., Va., Sept. 13th, 1864. J 

Respectfully forwarded — Approved. In my opinion the 2d 
N. Y. Mounted Rifles will never be effective as an Infantry organ- 
ization. Rob't B. Potter, 

Brig. GenT Gem ’g. 


Head Qartfrs 9th A. C. } 

Hear Weldon R. R., Va., Sept. 13th. 1864. $ 


Respectfully forwarded — Approved, 
expressed by Gen’l Potter. 


I coincide in the opinion 
Jho. G. Parke, 

Maj. Gen’l Coin’g. 


Head Quarters Arm! of the Potomac, ) 

V Sept. 16th, 1864, \ 

Respectfully returned. The commanding General desires to be 
informed how it happens that the Company within alluded to has 
no officer with it, and is without the books and papers requisite in 
the preparation of Muster Rolls. What is the character of the in- 
formation it is desired to procure from the Adj’t Gen’ls office ; 
and has any application been made for it by correspondence? 

By command of 

Maj. Genfl Meade. 

S. Williams, 

Ass t Adj’t and Gen’l, 


7 


[reply.] 

Head Quarters 2d N. Y, M. R„ ? 
Near Weldon R. R., Ya., Sept. 18th, 1864. ) 

Answers to the questions in the endorsement by the Command' 
ing General of the Army of the Potomac : 

1st. — It happens that the Captain of said company is absent 
without leave, and the Lieutenants are absent on sick leave. 

2d. — And it further happens that the Captain took the com- 
pany books and papers with him, or disposed of them in some 
other way. A communication has been forwarded by the com- 
manding officer of this regiment, requesting the authorizing of 
the Provost Marshal of Syracuse, 1ST. Y., (where it is supposed 
said Captain is,) to arrest him and return him to this Department 
for court martial. 

3d. — The character of the information desired and required 
from the Adjutant General’s Office is very important — nothing 
less than the names, dates and remarks on the muster-in rolls. 

4th. — It has been applied for, by correspondence, of one of the 
Lieutenants of the company, previously to his leave of absence, 
and he should have known that it would not be forwarded, as it 
has not been. 

As General Potter volunteered a remark on the second reason 
in the within application, which reason you evidently do not 
consider important, I may be permitted to volunteer this reply. 
We consider his expressed opinion a designed, though unmerited, 
insult. If we “ will never be effective as an infantry organiza- 
tion,” it is inferable that we are not now and never have been 
“ effective.” If efficiency refers to fighting and picket duty , we 
claim that our record for the 17th and 18th of June and 30th of 
July, and two months duty on the front line, give us a right to 
the claim of having been “effective.” But if it refers to drilling 
and playing soldier, we are not and never have been “effective,” 
for we were never disciplined in infantry tactics. 

Maj. Gen’l Parke’s coincidence with the opinion expressed by 
Gen’l Potter, must be based upon baseless information concerning 


8 


us, or upon off-from-duty observation : as he first appeared here 
in command af ter July 30th. Since which date we have been in 
no battles, nor on duty all the time. 

7 

I am, Sir, Very Respectfully, 

Your Ob't Serv’t, N. Wakd Cady, 

Major 2d N, Y. M. R. 


Head Quarters 2d Division 9th A. C. \ 
September 27th, 1864. ^ 

Charqes and Specifications preferred aqainst Major N. Ward 
Cady , 2d W. Y. M. If 

Charge 1st. — Conduct to the prejudice of good order and mili- 
tary discipline. 

Specification . — In this : That the said Major N. Ward Cady 
did address a communication to the Assistant Adjutant General 
of the Army of the Potomac, dated “Near Weldon R. R., Va., 
Sept. 18th, 1861,” of a highly insubordinate and improper char- 
acter, commenting upon an official endorsement of his superior 
officer with which he had nothing to do, in the following intern- 
perate and impertinent language : “As General Potter,” &c., (re- 
peats the language I used in reference to Generals Potter and 
Parke.) 

Charge 2d. — Contempt and disrespect to his superior officer. 

Specification , 1st. — In this : That the said Major N. Ward 

Cady, 2d N. Y. M. R., in a written communication addressed to 
the Assistant Adjutant General of the Army of the Potomac, 
dated “Near Weldon R. R., Va., Sept. 18th, 1861,” did, in com- 
menting upon an official endorsement of his superior officer, Maj. 
Gen. John G. Parke, commanding 9th Army Corps, make use of 
the following highly contemptuous and disrespectful language : 
“Major General Parke’s,” &c., (reiterating the language I used in 
reference to his “coincidence.”) 

Specification, 2d. — In this: That the said Major N. Ward 

Cady, 2d N. Y. M. R., in a written communication, addressed to 
the Assistant Adjutant General of the Army of the Potomac, 


9 


dated “Near Weldon R. R., Va., Sept. 18th, 1864,” did, in com- 
menting upon an official endorsement of his superior officer, Brig. 
Gen. Robt B. Potter, commanding 2d Division, 9th Army Corps, 
make use of the following highly contemptuous and disrespectful 
language : “As General Potter,” &c., (repeating the language I 

used in relation to his voluntary effort.) 

I may perhaps avoid repetition by introducing, next in order, 
the Defense, which explains the case. 


DEFENSE. 

Me. President and other Members of the Court Martial : 

I very much regret the existence of the circumstances that oc- 
casion the convening of this Court. The calling (though tempo- 
rarily) of all these officers from their immediate commands in 
front of the enemy, to this room, to sit in judgment upon the con- 

associated with you in this 
severe and memorable campaign. I had hoped to be no detri- 
ment to the service, at least, if no benefit, and am sorry to hinder, 
rather than assist, at this time of our country’s need. The reflec- 
tion, however, of not having occupied much of your valuable 
time, is consoling to me. My trial has been brief— no witnesses 
introduced on either side ; and I would now submit the case for 
your decision, without a word in defense, if I could only persuade 
myself that the Court are in possession of all the facts and cir- 
cumstances absolutely necessary to a reasonable and just conclu- 
sion. As it is, however, I consider it a duty I owe to you, to my- 
self, my friends, my regiment and the service, to give a brief ac- 
count of this peculiar case in all its relevant bearings. 

In the fall of 1863, when recruiting was progressing very slow- 
ly, the 2d Mounted Rifles, N. Y. Volunteers, was authorized, and 

B 


duct of one who has been constantly 


10 


about the first of March, 1861, it was organized. When the au- 
thorizaiton was granted, it was announced on authority, that the 
Regiment would be mounted on the finest horses, and be armed 
with the best breach-loading rifles or carbines, in the service. And 
I am persuaded that not one-fourth of its officers or men could have 
been induced to join the infantry branch of the service, on any 
consideration, for many of them knew they could not endure the 
marching of infantrymen. Indeed, many of them had already 
tried that branch, and failed from physical disability, while 
others preferred the mounted branch, and the mounted rifles, 
rather than cavalry. Not a few of our officers and men were 
offered much higher positions in other branches, but declined 
them, and accepted inferior ones in our organization. 

In March our Regiment came to camp Stoneman, Washington, 
D. C., and commenced discipline in cavalry tactics. In April an 
order came to turn in our cavalry accoutrements, and make out 
requisition for Springfield muskets and infantry equipments. 
Great disappointment and dissatisfaction was the consequence. I 
saw the Secretary of War on the subject. He said that the Gov- 
ernment could not immediately furnish the horses for us ; and 
that General Grant had requested that all such regiments as could 
not be thus supplied, serve temporarily as infantry. He assured 
me and gave me permission to give the assurance to our regiment 
and also to the 24th N. Y. cavalry (then in camp near us), that 
we were required to serve as infantry only a short time, during 
the emergency. That we were not infantry, but should retain all 
our companies and officers, and be paid as cavalry, and in all re- 
spects be cavalry or mounted rifles, dismounted for the occasion ; 
and should be mounted at the earliest moment the government 
could furnish the horses. I told him that under such circumstances 
we would prefer to go to the front for the time being and fight as 
infantry rather than remain in camp and drill as cavalry. Other 
officers assured the men (on asserted authority of the war depart- 
ment) that they would probably not be called upon to serve as in- 
fantry over thirty days, and certainly not more than sixty. For- 
ward to the front we came — were assigned to the nominally Pro" 


11 


visional (vrtually provisionless) Brigade — joined the 9th A. C. 
at or near Spotsylvania Court House, and commenced active ser- 
vice in this campaign. Near Cold Harber we were transferred to 
the 2d Division, which Division was and still is commanded by 
Brig. General Potter, who prefers the charges against me, which 
are being investigated by this Court Martial. And now it needs 
no argument to prove that any fact or circumstance bearing on 
the relations existing between the General and myself, or between 
him and our Regiment can be appropriately referred to here as 
giving the basis of my conclusion, expressed in the communica- 
tion, which he is pleased to term “ of a highly insubordinate and 
improper character.” Soon after our assignment to his Division 
on an all-night march, Capt. Rushmore of Co. “A” of our Regi- 
ment, who was unwell, and not considered on active duty, halted 
at midnight, and his Company halted also, (we were marching 
left in front) and two regiments in their rear, supposing it to be a 
general halt, also stopped for some time, all of which was unmili- 
tary, and led to delay and apprehension, and might have caused 
disaster. The circumstance was unpleasant and annoying. Gen. 
Potter ordered the Captain in arrest. About three weeks expired ; 
no charges being preferred against said Captain — his health still 
declining, he was sent home from the hospital where he soon died 

I had been in command of the Regiment a month when Major 
Mapes returned from the hospital to the command while we were 
in front of Petersburg. The Major obtained permission from the 
brigade commander to have a few trees cut for the purpose of ar- 
ranging his head quarters, and went to get it approved by Gen. 
Potter, when the General ordered him in arrest from some cause, 
but soon released him on application and explanation by the 
Colonel, and returned him to duty. 

Soon after the 9th corps came to the Weldon Railroad, the 
Colonel of our Regiment, who had been off from duty a day or so 
on account of being unwell, reported for duty when according to 
rank, he would be entitled to the command of the Brigade. He 
was assigned to that command, and when relieved by the return 
of a ranking Officer, he was still sick and reported at the Hospi- 


12 


I 


tal, all of which apparently did not highly please the Division 
Commander, who subsequently scarcely noticed Major Mapes, 
and very seldom returned his salute, until after the offensive com- 
munication referred to in the charges and specifications against 
me had been forwarded. 

On the recent occasion of the review of our Brigade, General 
Potter, the reviewing officer, failed (from oversight or design) to 
salute the colors of our regiment and on one occasion, as he was 
passing our camp, when asked what regiment ours was, replied, 
(so enlisted men say) “ the 2d N. Y. dismounted footmen”. Such 
slurs from such a source are very cutting to enlisted men, who feel 
that they are deprived of their rights, and are consequently serving 
reluctantly under protest. 

After all the assurances and pledges of the Secretary of War, 
I received notice from the paymaster that the pay department had 
been ordered to pay all dismounted regiments as infantry and 
intimating that that order looked toward changing us to infantry 
permanently. Indeed some of our own officers, who were absent 
on sick leave, had already been paid as infantry. But a letter to 
the Secretary of War, reminding him of his promises, was soon 
followed by an order to pay us as cavalry again according to 
contract. 

- r 

About the time the sixty days, for which the men considered 
themselves as having contracted to carry the infantry guns, had 
expired, I addressed a note of information and explanation to 
Major Gen’l Burnside, and lie replied very kindlj 7 , considerately 
and satisfactorily, and, by persuasion, the men continued to do 
duty in the capacity of infantry until some time after the 30th of 
July, when many persons considered the “ emergency” passed, 
particularly as Gen’l Griffin and Major Gen’ls Meade and Burn- 
side had gone North. So I concluded, if practicable, to go to 
Washington and present our case to the War Department. In- 
quired of Major Gen’l Parke what would probably be the fate of 
an application for a short leave of absence to go to Washington 
on business for the regiment. lie replied that applications, 
based upon Surgeon’s certificate, or dangerous illness of family, 


13 


were the only ones approved. I was satisfied, for I knew well 
enough that that meant fight, and if fighting was coming on, i 
would prefer to be at the post of duty and danger. The move for 
the Weldon Railroad was soon executed, and after the lines had 
been thoroughly established and the Army of the Potomac had 
settled down to comparative quietude, and was evidently being 
reorganized and largely reinforced, I thought the time had come 
when duty to my men and duty to the Nation (for every govern- 
ment should keep faith with her soldiery) demanded an honor- 
able and vigorous effort to secure the horses for our regiment and 
its return to its legitimate branch of the service. I presented the 
case to Major Gen’l Parke, who rather encouraged me than 
otherwise to forward an application for leave of absence to visit 
Washington on that mission, although I told him that I would 
not make an application and have it disapproved for money. I 
returned to camp undecided as to whether I would or would not 
make the application ; but when a number of married men of 
Company “ IT 55 called at my tent and told me, with sad hearts 
and quivering lips, that their pay-rolls were not made out, and 
couldn’t be, and they couldn’t get any pay — no money to send to 
their wives and children who were actually suffering with hunger 
at home, I decided in an instant to make out an application, and 
though I had retired for the night, I would not attempt to sleep 
until I arose and made out the following application, which was 
forwarded : (The application may be found on a preceding 

page.) 

That application was “ approved and respectfully forwarded ” 
by Major Mapes, commanding our regiment. 

It was “ respectfully forwarded,” without being approved, by 
General Griffin, commanding our brigade. 

It was u respectfully forwarded approved. In my opinion the 
2d N. Y. Mounted Rifles will never be effective, as an infantry 
organization,” by Brig. Gen. Potter, commanding our division. 

It was “respectfully forwarded approved.” “I coincide in the 
opinion expressed by Gen. Potter,” by Maj. Gen. Parke, com- 
manding our A. 0. 


14 


r 


And it was “ respectfully returned. The commanding Gen- 
eral desires to be informed how it happens that the Company 
within alluded to has no officer with it, and is without the books 
and papers requisite in the preparation of muster rolls ? What 
is the character of the information it is desired to procure from 
the Adjutant General’s office, and has any application been made 
for it by correspondence ?” by Maj. Gen. Meade, commanding 
the Army of the Potomac. 

When that application was returned to me, thus endorsed, our 
officers were indignant . And I will admit that I felt disappointed, 
surprised, and indignant also. And please permit me to say 
frankly, that I considered such endorsement to such an applica- 
tion unwarrantable and unjustifiable. I would probably have 
pocketed the insult, in silent contempt, returning no reply, only it 
would have appeared in that case, that I had only frivolous reas- 
ons to give for my application for leave of absence, and w T as 
ashamed to present them, I might have answered the questions 
and then recalled my application, (as so much time had already 
and would certainly transpire before getting leave granted that it 
would be too late to have the rolls completed for that pay day,) 
but in that event the papers would be retained at head-quarters, 
and I wanted the interesting correspondence myself, although I 
had an exact copy of the whole proceedings already. Therefore I 
replied as I thought the case warranted and the occasion de- 
manded, and forwarded the document. Major Mapes said he 
would approve and forward any answer that I would make. I 
said that if it could be forwarded without his approval, I prefer- 
red to have it, then in case of difficulty resulting from it he would 
not be involved, and one field officer would remain to the regi- 
ment, I wrote the document coolly and deliberately, and had it 
copied, when Major Atapes approved and forwarded it. It had 
not been gone many moments when the Major was sent for at 
Brigade head-quarters, and informed that it could be forwarded 
just as well without his approval, and in that case he would be 
entangled in no difficulty arising from it. Ilis “ approval ” was 
erased , and the instrument forwarded “disapproved ” by General 
Griffin. 


15 


On the 27th of September I was notified of my arrest and 
handed a copy of charges and specifications. I soon forwarded 
the following note : 

Head-Quarters 2d N. Y, M. R., Sept. 27th, 1864. 

Ass’t. Adj’t. Gen’l, 2d Brig. 2d Div. 9th A. C. : 

Sir — I have the honor to recpiest the liberty of the camp, as 
my health would seem to require the open air. 

Also, if consistent with my arrest, I would ask the privilege of 
accompanying the regiment, or any considerable detail from it, 
on fatigue duty, as I am accustomed to much vigorous exercise, 
and can be useful in that capacity, while relieved from official 
duty. 

And, if within the bounds of martial law, I would most re- 
spectfully and earnestly beg the privilege of taking my gun, 
(“Spencer’s Repeater,” that I purchased at the Washington 
Arsenal, by consent of the Chief of Ordnance,) and going into the 
ranks and fighting, in case my regiment is called into action. By 
granting at least this last reasonable request, you may possibly 
prevent the necessity of my peculiar notion of patriotism, causing 
me to break my arrest , which I would very much regret to be 
obliged to do. 

I am, Sir, Very Respectfully, 

Your Ob’t Serv’t, N. Ward Cady, 

Major 2d 1ST. Y. M. R. 

The following day a member of the General’s staff informed 
me that the General designed to answer my note by letter, but 
his papers were all packed for a move. He said I could have the 
liberty of the camp and brigade, and that I could acompany the 
regiment on fatigue duty, but said nothing about fighting. Our 
regiment and brigade were then ready to move at a moment’s 
notice, and I was puzzled to know what to do. If a battle came 
on I wanted to be in it, not from bravery , but from a sense of 
duty . And if I did go in, and should be killed, or captured, 
there stood the charges against me, and no defense written out 


16 


for my friends and the public. I decided, and so wrote my 
mother, that I would make no promises, but trust to Providence 
and the inspiration of the occasion, for guidance in the hour of 
conflict. On the morning of the 30th of September we started 
on the advance, my orderly carrying my sabre, and I carried my 
trusty “Spencer’s Repeating Rifle.” When we had advanced a 
few rods beyond the last line of our fortifications, the Adjutant 
General came and said to me, that by order of the General, I 
was released from arrest for the fight, and would take my sabre 
and resume my position as officer in the regiment. I went and 
exchanged my rifle with my orderly for my sabre, and went into 
the engagement. Our ranking Major, five other commissioned 
officers, and nearly 100 of our men were killed, wounded or cap- 
tured — principally “ gobbled” by the Johnnies, from the right 
wing of the regiment, while skirmishing. My wing were mostly 
saved from capture — myself escaping the third imprisonment by 
the rebels, which capture, for reasons not prudent to mention here, 
would probably be more unpleasant, cruel, barbarous and fatal 
to me than to any other person in the Army of the Potomac. 
When the battle was ended I would have returned my sabre to 
the Assistant Adjutant General and demanded a court martial, if 
our regiment had been well supplied with field officers. As 
it was, however, I would hardly assume the responsibility of de- 
priving my regiment of the last, least and poorest field officer left. 
But now the Colonel has returned, and the other party calls me 
to trial, and I am content. I was out with my regiment on fatigue 
duty on Wednesday, and when I returned after dark, I received 
the note informing me of my trial at Corps Head-quarters next 
morning at 10 o’clock. I was here on time — -found this large and 
respectable court convened by order of Major-General Parke, 
apparently for the express and only purpose of trying this case. 
We very soon passed through the trial, proper. I applied for, 
and obtained in all, four days in which to prepare a written de- 
fense ; in which time, together with my military duties and the 
confusion of camp, I could not possibly prepare a clear, system- 
atic, condensed and complete summing up of the case. But 


17 


rather than ask for further extension of time, I present you this 
hastily-drawn document. 

I claim that my application for leave of absence contained good 
and sufficient cause and reason for its approval. And that the 
peculiarity of the endorsements of Generals Parke and Potter 
destroyed Gen. Meade’s approbation of the second reason given, 
and weakened his confidence in the first, and his respect for the 
applicant , as his endorsement plainly indicates. Let us examine 
the case. If “the 2d N. Y. M. R. will never be effective as an 
infantry organization”, is it creditable to them or diseretitable? 
The latter of course, for if such a regiment in this campaign lias 
not been, — is not now — -and probably never will be “effective” on 
foot, it must either lack ability or disposition to be “effective” ; in 
either of which cases it should not rather than should be mounted. 
— As punishment and policy we should be kept on foot.— Ys pun- 
ishment for not trying to be “effective”, and as policy to save the 
government a quarter of a million dollars additional useless ex 
pense. I will admit promptly and frankly, that is the view I 
took of the case, and that it was ungenerous and unjust , and 
deserved rebuke. Did I misjudge ? Please notice the endorse- 
ment of Major-Gen’l Meade : “ The commanding General desires 
to be informed how it happens that the company within alluded 
to has no officer with it.” When at that time, in our army, it 
was almost an exception rather than a general rule, that a com- 
pany had a commissioned officer or a regiment and a field officer 
with it. And the other three questions all go to show that the 
General had the impression that the Major of that “in-efficient” 
regiment either did not know what was sufficient cause for a brief 
trip to Washington, or, that he was trying to get away on frivo- 
lous pretexts, thus virtually calling in question my intelligence or 
honor , or both. I had known of applications of private soldiers 
and officers, at about the same time, for leave of absence on the 
assertion of sickness of family or friends at home, or elsewhere, 
being approved without a question or a doubt, while mine was 
closely scrutinized, evidently doubted and myself minutely ques- 
tioned. But I could endure that implication of folly or fraud 
o 


18 


with slighter demonstrations of resentment than I could pocket 
an apparent insult to my regiment. 

I have respect for private soldiers, who do the marching — who 
carry the guns and knapsacks — who do the digging, guarding 
and picketing, and who do the fighting, while some General gets 
the praise of the soldiers’ valorous deeds. I have been with my 
regiment from the first. I know what promises have been made 
them and broken — what pledges have been given and violated — 
what hardships and privations they have endured and dangers 
encountered — with what vigilance they have watched the wily 
foe at the midnight hour, and charged the enemy at the break of 
day; and dashed upon him in the meridian heat; I know how 
their ranks have been thinned by bullets and wasted by disease. 
I have not forgotten how (when their contracted time for carry- 
ing infantry gnns had expired) they clung to their muskets and 
went ahead, 1 remember well the 30th of July, (being for the 
instant in their immediate command,) how, when the charge was 
ordered, (though they considered it to be a deadly assault,) yet 
to a man they mounted the rifle-pits — some short ones throwing 
their muskets over and then climbing over after them, and every 
one who was not killed or wounded, rushing with a will upon the 
enemy’s works, capturing their proportion of the first line, and 
holding it long after their left flank had been deserted and opened 
to the enemy, and, until I finally ordered them in myself, to save 
the last half from being killed or captured. Such soldiers, who 
are prevented by martial law, from speaking for themselves, can- 
not be insulted in my presence by the wearer of one star, two or 
three, or any constellation of military stars, and not receive a 
plain English intimation of my resentment , except in cases where 
it is illegal, or unconstitutional for me to speak. And this may 
be one of those instances, for in the bill of charges the General 
says, for u commenting upon an official endorsement of his supe- 
rior officer with which he had nothing to do.” If it be true that 
I have nothing to do with such endorsements; if it be military 
to maintain the position of a soldier or officer, and receive in 
gracious servility, like a serf or a slave unmeasured abuse to your- 


19 


self and command from an officer superior in rank, whether in 
any other respect or not, then crouch down like a whipped cur 
and lick the soft hand of your ranking chastiser ; I am not 
made of military material, for I am prodigiously independent. 
My independence and that of my countrymen I am whiling to 
fight for when attacked by armed foes, or speak for when assailed 
by unarmed ones. And yet if it is “to the prejudice of good 
order and military discipline,” and if it is “highly insubordinate 
and improper,” and if such language is “intemperate and imper- 
tinent,” and if it is “contempt and disrespect to his superior 
officers,” I regret it, and w r ould cheerfully recall it if possible, and 
refrain from the use of it, and remain quiet and submissive in 
that respect, as in others, so long as I consent to remain an officer 
in the army. 

If in your judgment the charges and specifications are sus- 
tained and punishment is deserved, you need make no merciful 
allowance on account of haste and excitement on my part, nor 
thoughtless and ignorant use of too strong terms; for it was 
deliberate, and 1 ought to be pretty well acquainted with the 
English language and a number of others; and under similar 
circumstances I should even now intensify , rather than modify 
the expressions; only as I infer, from my arrest , and from the 
convening of this court for my trial, that the transaction on my 
part must have been unmilitary, though I was not aware of it. 

The whole arrangement, or derangemerit rather, is very pecu- 
liar, I am not on trial for any common offense — not for a plain 
violation of plain martial law — not for cowardice in the face of 
the enemy — not for drunkenness , which is so common in the 
army among officers, and so dangerous and destructive to our 
movements and prospects— not for profanity , which is plainly 
prohibited by the articles of w T ar, and yet so universally and ille- 
gally indulged in by officers, that private soldiers almost consider 
it a stepping-stone to promotion— not for ga'mbling , which is too 
frequently practiced and too seldom rebuked by officers — not for 
fraud upon the government nor the soldiers — not for any crime 
against the Nation nor the rights of its defenders, but against the 


* 

dignity of its officers. Then the court which tries me is com- 
posed of officers of the division and corps to which one General 
belongs who prefers the charge against me, and the other one 
who is the reviewing officer of the proceedings in the case, and 
the specifications in the charges claim that those two Generals, 
and they only , are the subjects of my insolence . Yes, those very 
Generals to whom you must look for recommendation for promo- 
tion, if promoted at all — whose favorable consideration it is policy 
to maintain; and they, the very ones whose injured dignity is 
sought to be vindicated by the decision of this court, or whose 
efforts in the case will prove a miserable failure , if you fail to 
convict and sentence an inferior officer of another branch of the 
service, who, and whose command it is hopeful will soon be out 
of this Brigade, Division and Corps. I say such facts and cir- 
cumstances, together with the additional consideration, (which 
you do not and cannot fully appreciate and realize) of the im- 
measurably perplexing difficulty of managing mounted riflemen, 
as infantry, in a long and severe campaign, conspire to render 
this case a very peculiar one. Furthermore the defendant is not 
at all dangerous, nor troublesome, but easy to manage — never 
bavins: been in arrest before on the Union side of the lines, 
though constantly in the war since the rebellion commenced. 

Early in the spring of 1861, when the Union army commenced 
organization, I commenced to labor* * publicly and privately to 
raise volunteers not to send to the field but to accompany me to 
the front, I declined all office and came out, as a private soldier, 
to fight for the Union. Though often urged to accept a commis- 
sion I continued in the ranks and tried to do my duty as a soldier. 
I suggested the importance and necessity of scouts and spies in 
our department, and was the first one selected. Without the 
promise or expectation of pay or promotion I proceeded in that 
dangerous and thankless (and worse than all generally considered 
disgraceful) service for 8 months. — In the rebel lines and out. — 
In rebel prisons and out.— Constantly exposed to dangers, priva- 
tions and diseases not common to common soldier life. My 


r- 


* I addressed more than 100 war meetings in 61—2 and 3. 


friends, uncertain of my fate, but constantly agonized by rumors 
and reports of my capture, trial, convict’on, sentence and execu- 
tion as a spy . — I finally returned to Washington, was sent by the 
Medical Director to “Harwood Hospital ”, remained there 15 
minutes when by permission I hobbled away and have not 
hobbled back again since. I would not apply for a furlough and 
did not want one but my colonel insisted on my having one, and 
very soon secured it from the Secretary of War. I visited my 
over-joyed mother and sister for five days, and returned again to 
my regiment. Was in the Chancellorville battle as a soldier not 
a citizen. Was surrounded and captured and hurried back to 
Richmond again, but had so changed my appearance and uni* 
form as well as name, that fortunately, I was not identified, but 
soon paroled and sent North with my head and shoulders nearer 
neighbors than could reasonably have been expected. My term 
of enlistment soon expired and I was mustered out of service, 
though not exchanged. I labored and plead for my exchange for 
weeks, and the very day it did finally come I resigned a safer 
and better office than I hold here (which office I had verv reluc- 
tantly accepted and only finally consented to accept it at all on 
condition that I could resign at pleasure), and proposed to join 
the ranks of the noble Union army again, but was earnestly soli- 
cited to raise a Company for the 2d Mounted Rifles, N. Y. Yols, 
and only consented to do so after many worthy young men said 
they would take the field if I would lead them. The company 
was formed, the regiment organized, and I was elected one of its 
Majors by a flattering vote, but declined to accept until I had 
consulted my company and then unless they consented to my 
promotion. They did consent, inasmuch they said, as I deserved 
promotion and they could be in my battalion. We came forth to 
the conflict and I am not anxious for promotion, nor for main- 
taining my present official position. I do not consider myself a 
valuable officer. Indeed, I would have resigned long' ago and 
rejoined the ranks (not for bounty, for my native town, to which 
I would be credited, is always ahead of every draft) had I not 
supposed that, as an officer, I might have rather more influence 


in securing the horses for my men and their return to their legiti- 
mate branch of the service. 

I am from an honorable and patriotic , though not ambitious 
stock. My father was a volunteer in the last war with Great 
Britain. His uncle was one of the Boston Tea-Party, and fought 
through the Revolution. Therefore I claim an inheritance in this 
war — a right to fight for the maintainance of the Union and 
Liberties that my ancestors so promptly and nobly helped to estab- 
lish and defend. I joined in the contest at the birth of this 
rebellion, and have combatted its progress and maturity — and 
now behold through fire and smoke of victories its decline — hear 
through the cannon's mouth its groans of dissolution — and am 
bound to be in at its death unless death rules me out of the 
conflict. 

From the example, instructions and watch-care of an intelli- 
gent, virtuous and pious mother, I formed safe habits, adopted 
sound principles and a high code of honor — never having drank 
a dram of intoxicating liquor in my life — never lost or gained one 
cent by gambling or betting — never defiled myself nor society by 
licentiousness — never disobeyed a military order while in the 
army— never defrauded the Government out of a dollar, directly 
or indirectly, not even by receiving pay for servants when I did 
not employ nor need them* — never was absent from my regiment 
when it was called for duty — never was half a mile from my regi- 
ment while in command during this campaign, except when 
division officer of the day, and that duty called me away. I have 
not been off from duty half an hour for half a year, except the 
two days I was in arrest in this case. I never applied for only 
one leave of absence, and this trial grows out of that, and there is 
not much probability of my applying for another . Indeed, the 
other day my men requested me to take more than $50,000 for 
them to Express at City Point ; but I declined to apply for leave 


* Which amounts to only a few hundred dollars, but which, added to back pay, clipped by 
the court martial, and to my voluntary expenses for the Government since the war commenced, 
amounts in the aggregate to $2,664 00, exclusive of over $200 00 that I have expended for the 
intellectual and moral improvement of our army. 


23 


to go, for I feared that if my first application resulted in my 
arrest , the next might fetch me up in “ Old Capitol Prision.” 

I have thus explained my case very frankly, and present it to 
you for consideration. If I am guilty of anything wrong in the 
premises, it is through ignorance of the law governing such cases* 
If that ignorance is inexcusable and the spirit indicated by it is 
reprehensible and you sentence me to a public reprimand, I shall 
endeavor to receive the disgrace (so called,) in a becoming mili- 
tary style. If you dismiss me from the service, I shall volunteer 
again (without bounty) in the ranks, and be puzzled to decide 
whether it is reduction or promotion, and if you honorably acquit 
me I shall consider it no more of a victory to boast of than I 
would a sentence in this case a disgrace to lament over. 

For the good of the service and the honor and efficiency of our 
army, and safety of our free institutions, please permit an officer 
of doubtful fate to modestly give this parting advice. See that 
the practice and example of your fellow officers are more con- 
sistent and legal on the subjects of profanity, gambling and fraud, 
and especially intemperance, which is alarmingly prevalent, and 
subversive of discipline, not only, but destructive to progress. 
When I came to this place for my trial, last Thursday, I saw an 
officer, or the form of a man in officer’s uniform, staggering down 
stairs and through the hall of this 9th army corps head -quarters’ 
house, drunk as a sot. While you try me on a doubtful point of 
military etiquette, why not punish such officers for such offences f 
I submit my case to you for decision, and to a discriminating 
and appreciative public for condemnation, or justification. 

N. Ward Cady, 

Major 2d N. Y. M. R 


When I returned to camp, after presenting to the court martial 
the above defense, the officers of our regiment inquired of me how 
I thought the case would go. I told them that I thought it would 
go tough with me, for I mistrusted that the court would consider 
my defense, their offense. Officers of different regiments, in refer- 
ing to the subject, afterwards, said that no severe sentence of a 


24 


court martial could, or would be executed upon a field officer, un- 
til it had been approved by the President of the United States. 

I was soon handed a copy of the following document, a copy 
of which, I was informed, had been signed by every officer of the 
regiment, (present for duty,) and forwarded to the President: 
u To Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States : 

We, the officers of the 2d N. Y. M. P., have the honor to pre- 
sent, for your consideration, the case and character of Major N. 
Ward Cady, 2d Mounted Rifles, iST. Y. Y ols., recently court-mar- 
tialed in the 9th army corps. 

Our high regard for the best interests of the army and Nation, 
and our sense of justice toward a brave, efficient and worthy offi- 
cer, prompt us to present to you this petition, unsolicited by him. 

The 2d N. Y. M. R, like many other cavalry organizations, 
has served through this severe campaign, on foot. It is the only 
dismounted regiment, however, that has been attached to the 2d 
division, 9th corps, and the division commander may possibly 
not have made due allowance for the complicated difficulties in 
the management of such a regiment in infantry service, with 
which neither officers nor men were acquainted, and for which 
they were not enlisted. Moreover, the Major is very high- 
spirited, and yet always obedient to orders emanating from his 
superior officers. 

His difficulty in the above case arose from no hasty, inconsid- 
erate outburst of passion, but from his very high appreciation of 
the private soldier , whose character and reputation he would 
defend much sooner, and more spiritedly than his own. Yet as 
he admits in his defense, he was not aware that such indication 
of resentment was contrary to military rules and regulations. 
He has been an officer but a short time, and has been constantly 
on duty, and so intensely interested in our active military opera- 
tions, that he has devoted but a very short time to the study of 
the army regulations, except those portions of it referring to duty. 

He served as a private soldier in 1861-2 and 3, in the 28th 
Reg’t N. Y. Yols. in the Army of the Potomac; was employed 
in the secret service by his commanding officer, (Gen. Banks,) 


25 


t 


and obtained much valuable information within the rebel lines, 
which was safely transmitted to the commanding General. He 
was twice a prisoner in .Richmond — once was retained there sev- 
eral months, with charges preferred against him as being a 
“ Yankee spy,”* and barely escaped the penalty attached to such 
offenses. His comrade, sent out with him, was apprehended, 
tried, convicted and executed. 

He is a young man of remarkable independence and firmness 
of character — of most exemplary habits, and the highest type of 
morality, His loyalty and intense patriotism are beyond all 
cpiestion; so much so that it has become proverbial, both at home 
and in the army wherever known. He has labored, sacrificed 
and suffered so constantly, cheerfully and effectually, since the 
commencement of the war, regardless of danger, pay and promo- 
tion, as to have gained the unlimited confidence, respect and 
esteem of his men, his fellow officers, and a wide circle of influ- 
ential friends and acquaintances, in a very patriotic section of the 
country. Therefore it is alike a pleasure for us to cheerfully 
recommend, and a duty to earnestly petition your Excellency to 
disapprove any sentence for his dismissal , or any other disgrace 
that the Court Martial may have passed upon him. 

We are, Sir, very respectfully, 

Your obedient servants. 

Two days after I had given the court my defense I was drilling 
the regiment (not yet having been re-relieved from duty) when 
Gen. Griffin, the president of my court martial, observed what 
was going on, and, probably considering it to be rather irregular 
for an officer to be in arrest, or, at least, on trial, before a General 
Court Martial, and on duty at the same time, sent his Asst. Adjt. 
Gen’l over to my Head Quarters to inform me, that I would “ con- 
sider myself relieved from duty.” 

The next week, appearances unmistakably indicated a move 
for the possession of the “South-Side Railroad,” and I felt uneasy 


* Mistake— I was never suspected, even of being a scont or spy. 

D 


26 


and mean , for I expected a big fight, and thought that I ought to 
pitch in, not considering myself really relieved from solemn obli_ 
gations to the Government and the race to battle for the Union 
and Freedom, merely because a certain General had taken 
exception to my exceptions to his exceptionable endorsement. 
Therefore I drew up the following application : 

Head Quarters, 2d N. Y. M. R. Oct. 26, 1864. 

Assy. Adj’t. Gen’l, 2d Brig., 2d Div. 9th A. G : 

Sir — Acknowledging myself under obligations for being re- 
leased from arrest for the last fight, I have the honor to request a 
repetition of the same favor for the next. 

I am, Sir, Very Respectfully, 

Your Ob’t Serv’t, H. Ward Cady, 

Major 2d N. Y. M, R, 

The Colonel kindlv consented to be the bearer of the above 

4 / 

petition. He presented it to the brigade commander, who said 
that it was not in his power to grant the request, but that he 
would give the Colonel permission to take it up to the Division 
Commander (Gen. Potter). He found said officer at the Head 
Quarters of Major-Gen’l Parke and presented the application to 
those gentlemen , (please pardon me, for the un military expression, 
. I should have said officers) who informed him that the case had 
gone forward, and that they would forward the application, and 
return him the reply as soon as received. Before daylight the 
next morning we were ordered on the move. Ho permission had 
yet arrived for me to fight and my “ Spencer Repeater’ was gone 
(my orderly having been captured on the 30th of September, he 
had my rifle and field-glass &c, which were probably destroyed 
before he surrendered, as I had instructed him to do so in case of 
too close quarters and he was cool enough to obey as well as brave 
enough to fight.) So I took an old “Sharp’s Rifle” that the boys 
picked up the day before, and went along like a soldier. Our 
regiment had a “soft thing” that day for once not losing a man. 
One evening, a short time afterward an orderly handed the fol- 
lowing order to the Colonel : 


Head-Quarters Army of the Potomac, ? 

October 26th, 1864. J 

[Copy.] 

General Court Martial, ) (Extract) 

No. 42. f 

II. — Before a General Court Martial, of which Brig. Gen. S. G. 
Griffin, U. S. Vols., is President, convened at Head-Quarters 9th 
Army Corps, by virtue of Special Orders, No. 188 from these 
Head-Quarters of September 28th, 1861, were arraigned and 
tried : 

2d. — Major N. Ward Cady, 2d New York Mounted Rifles, 
upon the following charges : 

Charge 1st. — Conduct to the prejudice of good order and mili- 
tary discipline. 

Charge 2d. — -Contempt and disrepect to his superior officer. 

Findings. — Guilty. 

Sentence. — To be dismissed the service, with loss of all pay 
due or to become due him. 

The proceedings, findings and sentence of the General Court 
Martial in the case of Major N. Ward Cady, 2d New York 
Mounted Rifles, having been approved by the proper commander 
and forwarded to the Major General commanding, the same is 
approved, and this officer ceases to belong to the military service 
of the United States from the date of this order. 

By command of 

Major General Meade. 

S. Williams, 

Assistant Adjutant General, 

I concluded to leave the camp next day ; and when the Colo- 
nel asked me if I wished to have the officers called together for a 
parting word, I declined, not daring to trust my emotions on 
such an occasion. I had talked with traitors in Richmond, 
patriots in Washington, soldiers on the field of conflict and in 
hospital, cheering them in battle and consoling them in the hour 
of death, and my voice never failed me, and yet I feared that my 
emotions would overcome my power of speech if I should at- 


tempt to say a parting word, or even bid a soldier’s “Farewell” 
to my companions in arms, who had been my firm friends in 
perilous times, bearing so patiently with my imperfections, that 
no unkind or unpleasant word had passed between us during 
this severe campaign. No, no, I could not speak to such men — 
such officers and soldiers, at such a time. I left them as quietly 
as possible on my part, amid unmistakable indications and 
demonstrations of their approbation and esteem for one who, 
however unworthy of the high regard of such brave and true 
men, will earnestly pray for their success and heartily rejoice in 
their prosperity. 

Some officers said to me, “ Go and see the President and get 
reinstated.” I told them that if I had National business with the 
President, I would call and see him, but never on personal. I 
fight for my independence , do not beg for my office. 

I told some of our officers that I should continue to labor to 
secure the horses for the regiment, and if they could not be 
obtained, I should enlist in the ranks of the company I raised for 
the same regiment ; for I would not enlist men and get them into 
a tangle , and then get out myself, (either honorably or dishonor - 
ably,) and leave them in a fix ; but I would share their fate with 
them. But if the men did get their horses, I would then consider 
myself at liberty to go into the service in some other department, 
if the Government interests should warrant it. I went to Gen. 
Gregg’s headquarters (7 miles distant,) to see about the horses. 
The Adjutant General said that Col. Hardee, at the War Depart- 
ment, in Washington, had charge of the Cavalry Bureau. At 
the War Office I was informed that Gen. ITalleck was chief of the 
Cavalry Bureau. I saw his Adjutant General, who said that 
Gen. Grant decided what regiments should have their horses, and 
when they should have them. I wrote the General the following 
note : 


New York, November, 1864. 

Lt. Gen. U. S. Grant : 

Sir, — Sharing with the soldiers and citizens of the United States 
the utmost confidence in your patriotism and high sense of honor, 


29 


t address you this note relative to the fulfillment of the Nation’s 
pledges, to certain dismounted cavalry organizations in the Army 
of the Potomac — particularly the 2d Mounted Rifles, N. Y. Vols., 
2d Brig., 2d Div., 9th A. C. I am persuaded that you will admit 
that our Government should keep faith with her soldiery. That 
regiment was organized last winter, and promised the finest horses 
and best carbines in the service. In April we were called upon 
to turn in our cavalry accoutrements, and accept muskets and 
infantry equipments, and fight on foot. Secretary Stanton said 
that you requested that all cavalry regiments which could not be 
immediately supplied with horses, would serve temporarily as 
infantry — that we were needed for infantry service only a “ short 
time” — during the “emergency;” and that we should be mounted 
at the earliest moment the Government could furnish the horses. 
The “short time” seems to have expired, and the “emergency” 
passed, but the men have no horses yet, although other regiments, 
organized before, and since ours was, have been mounted already. 
We have done severe duty through this campaign, and now the 
officers and men and their friends, wonder why we cannot have 
our horses as well as other regiments theirs. I have endeavored, 
as a matter of duty, to use every honorable means, employing in 
good faith every available argument for the purpose of securing 
the horses for the men. I have considered myself under obliga- 
tions to do so, for I enlisted many of them, and they, as well as 
their friends, hold me responsible for the fulfillment of the National 
contract. I have labored so zealously for their rights, and de- 
fended their honor so spiritedly and independently, that I have 
been dismissed the service, but that I do not complain of, for I 
never considered myself a valuable officer, and design to re-enlist 
in the ranks (without bounty) and fight to the end of the war, or 
the end of life. But I do ask that the men have their horses . 
I was informed at the War Department, and at Gen. Ilalleck’s 
office, that you are the one to decide what regiments are mounted 
and when . I rather suspect, from pretty good evidence, that our 
regiment has been ordered to be mounted ; but if so, the order 
hangs fire . 


BO 


Believing that you will guard and protect the rights and just 
claims of our brave soldiers in the field, as well as sustain the in- 
terests and honor of the Nation — hoping, praying and fighting for 
the early suppression of the Rebellion, and the permanent estab- 
lishment of the Government, 

I subscribe myself, 

Yours, for Freedom, Justice and the Union, 

N. Ward Cady, 

Ex-Major 2d N. Y. M. R* 

/ 

I am not dissatisfied, nor sore-headed, nor soured against the 
government at all. On my return from City Point, I called over 
a few days at Washington; was at the “Union Club Rooms” on 
election night — volunteered a speech — thought I ought not to 
speak more than thirty minutes, as I was out of practice, and the 
audience large and enthusiastic, and might be hard to speak to 
and entertain, at eleven o’clock P. M. But they would not al- 
low me to stop short of about two hours. I did not refer to my 
dismissal, nor to any abuse by the Government, for I never was 
abused, either as a citizen or soldier, by said Government, and if 
I had been I would fight on and fight ever for the principles at 
stake in this contest. 

I have tried to keep my case out of the newspapers as much as 
possible. On election day the N. Y. Tribune came out with a 
brief notice of my dismissal. I kept quiet, but some one else 
followed it up with the following letter : 

“ Major N. Ward Cady, 

To the Editor of the N. Y. Tribune : 

Sir : — In the Tribune of yesterday, the 8th, you say that 
* Major N Ward Cady, of the Second Mounted Rifles, now at 
Petersburg, was dismissed from the service, with loss of all pay 
due.’ At the opening of this war Major Cady, a citizen of Or- 
leans county, N. Y., enlisted as a private, though offered a com- 
mission, and was two years with the 28th 1ST. Y. Volunteers. 

Major Cady has been twice in Richmond as a prisoner, and on 
his release came home and raised a company for the Second N. 


31 


Y. Mounted Rifles, and by the request of the officers of the regi- 
ment was made a Major. A braver, more patriotic, more unself- 
ish man dont live. When his company tendered him a sword, 
he refused it, saying that he had no business with the money of 
his men, who were to fare hard and many of them die for the 
paltry sum of $13 per month. 

Before his company was mustered in it was freely rumored that 
it never would be mustered and he would be dismissed. He has 
formerly been, I am told, a clergyman, and is an elegant speaker ! 
During the summer he has remained with his regiment, while 
many of the officers were in the rear, or at home on sick leave. 
Of his company officers Lieut. Arnold only remaining, Capain 
Barnard having fallen covered with wounds in the assault on the 
fort, and Lieut. Mansfield, having been since taken prisoner 
The Colonel of this regiment was appointed by Gov. Seymour, 
and can perhaps throw some light on this transaction. The peo- 
ple wish to know what grave crime Major Cady has committed. 
His numerous friends in Western New York will not fail to push 
the inquiry. Major Cady has, we doubt not, been more con- 
stantly with his regiment than any other officer. 

Justice.” 

There is an intimation or so in the above letter that justice and 
magnanimity would seem to require the correction of. I wrote 
the following reply : / 

Orleans County, N. Y., November, 1864. 
Editor New York Tribune : 

Sir : — My attention has been called to a brief notice in the 
Tribune, of the 8th inst,, of my dismissal from the military ser- 
vice of the United States, and to a subsequent article on the 
subject by a writer who signs himself u Justice.” The writer 
says in that note, in reference to myself, “ He has formerly been, 
I am told, a clergyman, and is an elegant speaker.” In candor, 
I must say, that I am not and never have been either this or that 
— am not good enough for the one nor smart enough for the other . 
He also says, “ the Colonel of this regiment was appointed by 


32 




Gov, Seymour, and can, perhaps, throw some light on this trans- 
action.” In justice to both those gentlemen, I take pleasure in 
saying (though disagreeing with them in politics) that they are 
not at all responsible for the transaction, and the Colonel, at least, 
and all the other officers and men of the regiment, both Repub- 
licans and Democrats, are very indignant on account of my 
unexpected dismissal. 

“ Justice” says, “ the people wish to know what grave crime 
Major Cady has committed.” Please permit me to say to “ Jus" 
tice ” (though I have not the slightest idea who he is) and to my 
acquaintances and friends in general, that I was not dismissed for 
anything disloyal, disgraceful, or dishonorable at all ; but merely 
for maintaining the rights and defending the honor of my regi- 
ment and the Government. The spirited correspondence and pro- 
ceedings in the case will soon be published. 

I design to labor for my regiment and the Government for a 
few days as a citizen, and then join the service again (regardless, 
as usual, of office, honor, bounty or pay), for the term of fifty 
years or the war. While so many married men are called to 
leave their wives and children, and go forth to fight for their 
homes and our liberty, I would be ashamed to be a young man, 
or bachelor civilian , until this civil war is over. 

Yours, &c., 

N. Ward Cady, 

Ex. Major 2d N. Y. Mounted Rifles. 

Had I studied and practiced the tactics of policy I would not 
have taken any exceptions to the peculiar endorsements of my 
peculiar Generals ; and had I been vain enough to have consid- 
ered myself a really valuable officer of immense service (as an 
officer) to the Government, I would (from patriotic motives), have 
been peaceable and patronizing as a button-holing politician, or 
sycophantic officer, allowing my men to have been abused and 
myself to have been kicked, like a foot ball, to Washington and 
back again, on a promotion excursion. But, as it was, I did not 
count myself so very important as an officer. I never could mus- 
ter the slightest military ambition, neither had I received a mili- 


33 


tary education. I think that “West-Pointers,” and as a general 
rule, those who have been in other than military business, since 
graduating, an 1 learned the ways of the world as well as the 
science of war, are the best qualified and calculated for leading 
military officers — and men who are rather more ambitious than 
I am for subordinate cammanders. Then again, I have not the 
military polish of swearing , drinking and such other official ac- 
complishments as tend to popularity among high officers. Neither 
have I style enough, for I work with my men on urgent fatigue 
duty — nor authority enough, for I never domineer nor tyrannize 
over my men. 

For the above reasons, and various others, I considered myself 
of no especial importance as an officer, and therefore duty did 
not call me to sacrifice my independence and manhood for the 
sake of retaining office. I knew that I had capacity and patriot" 
ism enough for a number one soldier, and, as a matter of choice 
on the score of reputation and honor, as well as conscience, I 
would prefer to be a first-class private soldier rather than a sec- 
ond or third rate officer, and especially, if I could be a man and 
the first or no man and the last . Ido not consider it disgraceful 
to be in the ranks, unless one acts disgracefully there. I offered 
to the Secretary of War last spring, when we were to serve a 
w T hile on foot, to go into the ranks while, we acted as infantry, as 
we would not need so many field officers until we should receive 
our horses, but he did not permit me to do so ; and when I 
learned that our regiment would be delayed eight or ten days in 
“ Camp Stoneman,” (with our tents struck and camp broken up, 
so that we could not drill,) waiting for cartridge-boxes and belts, 
I was very disconcerted, for I thought I ought to be doing better 
service, so I went to the War Department and saw Gen’l Canby 
and urged him to allow me to go over to the army (just before 
the battle of the Wilderness) and fight • told him I was accus- 
tomrd to fighting, and would take my own gun and ammunition 
and fight without pay until my regiment should arrive at the 
front. The General, in his usual pleasant and gentlemanly man- 
ner, declined the offer on account, I presume, of irregularity in 

E 

. > • 1 

I *a> 


34 


the proposed arrangement. I have fought in the ranks, and can 
do so again, unless my “ dismissal ” prevents my volunteering 
again ; and if it does, I may consent to apply (or trouble my 
friends enough to ask them or rather permit them to bring a 
formidable petition and other influences to bear) to have that part 
of my sentence revoked or commuted ; and if that is denied me, 
I think I can beg a chance in somewhere where I am acquainted, 
or else fight on my own hook — not as a bushwhacker or guerrilla, 
for I detest that dishonorable, barbarous and cowardly style of 
warfare, or murder. 

In my military movements 1 only regret that I finally consented 
to accept an office at all, I do not regret and would not recall my 
comment on the General’s commentary on our regiment nor my 
offensive defense in my case, I would rather be t: dismissed ” than 
to allow the General’s undeserved and uncalled for compliment to 
our regiment to remain on record without my acknowledgement . 
But I am sorry for my friends , they are high-spirited and far 
more anxious about my good name and fair fame than I am, 
much more ambitious for me than I am for myself. I have con- 
sidered myself already obliged by duty to act (in some dangerous 
moves during the war) in direct opposition to the counsel and 
advise of all those who are nearest and dearest to me by the ties 


of relationship and friendship, and now, to super-add the disgrace 

* 

of “ dismissal”, while it does not tinge mv cheek with shame for 


myself, yet it pains my heart with sorrow and sympathy for them. 
O, I almost wish at times, that I had no friends to be troubled, 
injured and disgraced by my strange movements and semi- 
reckless independence, then I could do , endure and suffer any - 
thing for my country and the cause it represents, without a single 
cloud of anxiety to obscure the sun-light of good cheer. 

I have prepared this explanation, not for the eye of the critic , 
for I am no candidate for fame, nor for the ear of the public, for I 
am not an aspirant for office or patronage, but for the hearts ot 
my friends, for I am your debtor and devoted admirer. I go forth 
cheerfully again at the solemn bugle-call of duty. Freedom’s sons 
; are still tented on the field and I would not remain housed-up 


* 


<8 s' 


35 


here though offered strong inducements to tarry. I cannot see 
you before I go, and I may never return, for, though a kind 
Providence, in whom I trust, has wonderfully shielded me hereto- 
fore, yet how can I expect to stand , when so many braver, better 
and noWierfall? Therefore, on the eve of my departure to a more 
southern field of duty and danger, (for the regiment have received 
their horses and I need not stop there) where, for the third time it 
may become necessary to change my name, though not my 
nature; I wish to thank you for vour uniform kindness and for- 
bearance toward me, and assure you that it is duly appreciated, 
and it encourages me to ask you to generously cast the broad 
mantle of charity over my numerous faults and imperfections and 
to believe, (whatever be your views of my opinions and actions) 
tha the tried to do his duty to his country, to his race, and to 
Ms God.” 

I assure you, that, wherever I may be, you shall be objects of 
ray affection and subjects of my prayer. And I beg of you to 
not be anxious or solicitous in my behalf ; for I step out from 
■among you into a luminous and hopeful future. I have abiding 
faith in the ultimate triumph of Freedom and Righteousness ; 
and if I fall in the contest for the one, or the other, or both, let 
the starry emblem of Liberty be my winding sheet — my com- 
rades in arms my funeral escort — and my quiet, unmarked grave, 
the soil of the South, that I shall have willingly and cheerfully 
given my life to redeem. And if I survive the conflict of arms, 
I design to continue the less dangerous, and more genial contest 
of Mind and Morals , in that same sunny land. Therefore, in 
/either case, I do not soon meet you again, consequently I bid you 
& friendly good-bye — a warm heart’s Farewell , 


IT. Ward Cady. 


V 
















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